Avila Geraldine New Straits Times 16 Oct 11;
SEMPORNA: The planting of 777 individual corals in the underwater nursery at Ribbon Reef off here by a group of divers gained entry into the Malaysia Book of Records yesterday.
The "Beautiful Malaysia: Largest Coral Planting" project was organised by Astro Kasih to help conserve coral reefs and underwater life.
The programme was aimed at raising awareness on the importance of preserving the environment.
Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen said coral conservation was important.
"The climate is changing and corals can only live in temperatures of 28o Celsius.
"If it's too hot, it will die because of bleaching and other factors. Coral diving is a very important tourism product for Malaysia as many tourists from Europe as well as China come here to dive.
So, if there are no corals, they will go to other places.
"We want to have sustainable tourism and this programme is in line with our tourism motto, that is to protect, conserve and reserve," she said after the programme launch here.
Present were state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and Astro chief financial officer Ahmad Fuad.
The coral planting involved 50 divers from Astro Kasih and international divers from Finland, France and Japan.
Last year, Astro Kasih planted 501 individual corals at Perhentian Island in Terengganu.
"We also hope to have a world record next year," Dr Ng said.
Fuad said it was Astro's responsibility to help generate the country's economy.
"We want to be part of government efforts to protect the environment, and our hope is that through this programme, we can raise awareness among the people."
Masidi, meanwhile, said Sabah would ban shark hunting and sharks' fin soup next year.
"Sabah is known for its dive spots. A ban on shark hunting is crucial because divers come here to see sharks and if there are no sharks, they will definitely dive elsewhere.
"This is a state's initiative and we are glad that the tourism minister is supporting the move."
Ng said the ministry was also planning to introduce a direct flight from East Russia to Kota Kinabalu.
The direct flight is expected to start at the end of this year and would involve two Russian cities, Vladivostok and Khavbarosk.
She said flights from the two cities to Kota Kinabalu would take seven hours.
"Currently, there is no direct flight from Rusia to our country. There are only direct flights from Moscow to Vietnam and Bangkok.
"This move will further boost our tourism industry."
Read more: Planting a record of 777 corals http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/25dive/Article#ixzz1auOSh5QO
